Hoffenheim has drastically improved compared to the last spring and are now looking like the team that streaked all the wins in the last year’s first part of the season. Coach Rangnick has recreated the team chemistry, and a lot of importance had Ibisevic’s return to the lineup. Although Ibasi and Ba are injured and sidelined, new acquisition from Botafogo, Maicosuel, has turned out to be great and quickly fit into Ragnick’s style of work. In the last 10 matches in all competitions, Hoffenheim had 8 wins and 2 losses, and are currently at the 5th spot with only 3 pts behind the leading sides. What’s most encouraging for their fans is the fact their team has been playing more than good, and much tougher that they’ve been doing in the last season. That can be a guarantee they will end this season even better than the last one. Anyways, since they were the newcomers in the league last year, it’s logical that the last year’s experience will help them this season. Last season they defeated Wolfsburg by 3:2 at home, and their striker Ibisevic said he wouldn’t mind for that result to be repeated. Ragnick announced the following lineup: Hildebrand; Beck, Simunic, Compper, Eichner; Vorsah, Luiz Gustavo, Carlos Eduardo, Salihovic; Ibisevic, Maicosuel.
Not as convincing
Although it could be said they’re not playing bad, Wolfsburg’s players aren’t even close to be showing the performances from the last season. They’re at the 7th place in the standings, and they’re lucky other teams are also inconsistent so they’re not too much behind the leaders. Their home performances have been especially poor, and they were their main trademark in the past season. However, they’re slowly improving their form. A win in Turkey in CL brought additional confidence to the squad, and the return of Grafite after some 10 days of rest will surely come in handy. The offense has been playing well and fluent, but the mistakes were often happening in defense. Coach Veh will have to tighten up the play of his backline as 19 conceded goals in 11 rounds is too much for a club of such ambitions. A match vs. Hoffenheim is very important for Wolfsburg. If they record a good result, they will come close to the top, and additionally boost their confidence. However, a loss would be very bad for the visitors. The squad will be complete, as most of their players except for Ziani are available. The team will be looking like this: Benaglio; Riether, Ricardo Costa, Madlung, M. Schäfer; Josué, Kahlenberg, Gentner, Misimovic; Grafite, Dzeko.
Fireworks again
Although both sides have been playing a bit more defensive than they’ve been doing in the last season, I expect the two sides to be fully fired up for their mutual clash. Both teams’ form is on the rise, and it will be interesting to see who will stand up as the more dominant side. The final outcome is very ungrateful for predicting, but the goals should definitely not miss out. The bookies have lowered the odds but even 1.55 for the over 2.5 are worth it. Higher totals should also be tried for some more courageous individuals out there.
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Prediction:
Tip: Over 3
Odd: 2.05
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 8 /10
Tipster: Kather
